Board Backup Position Editing for Interference-Safe PCB Support

Solution Overview

Problem

In board work machines, editing the position program to adjust the backup member's position is challenging due to interference concerns and the inability of operators to visually recognize the board's bottom surface, making it difficult to determine if adjustments are necessary, especially in variable production environments.

Innovation Solution

A board work machine configuration that includes a backup plate, a movement device, a movement control section, a display section to show the backup member's position on a board image, and an editing section to allow operators to adjust the number and position of backup members based on work evaluation data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the position program is edited to adjust the backup member position, then the ability to adapt to production variations is improved, but the risk of interference between component and backup member increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to production variationsVSAvoidrisk of interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an image processing system that captures and processes images of the board bottom surface, acting as an intermediary between the operator and the physical backup member position. The system generates visual information (images and depth maps) that mediates the operator's understanding of the spatial relationship between components and backup members, enabling safe editing of position programs without physical interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of physically adjusting backup members with an image-based visual information system. Instead of directly manipulating physical components, the system uses image capture, processing, and display to provide virtual feedback, substituting mechanical adjustment with optical-information-based control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If the operator cannot visually recognize the board bottom surface, then the device structure is simplified, but the ease of operation for adjusting backup member position deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structure simplicityVSAvoidease of backup member adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an image processing system that captures and processes images of the board bottom surface, acting as an intermediary between the operator and the physical backup member position. The system generates visual information (images and depth maps) that mediates the operator's understanding of the spatial relationship between components and backup members, enabling safe editing of position programs without physical interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of physically adjusting backup members with an image-based visual information system. Instead of directly manipulating physical components, the system uses image capture, processing, and display to provide virtual feedback, substituting mechanical adjustment with optical-information-based control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If multiple board work executions are performed without adjustment verification, then productivity is maintained, but the accuracy of work results deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidwork result accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the image processing system continuously captures images of the board bottom surface and provides visual information about component positions and backup member effectiveness. This feedback loop allows operators to verify whether adjustments are solving errors while maintaining production flow, balancing productivity with precision through information-based monitoring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11917766B2Substrate work machine

Publication Date: 2024.02.27 FUJI CORP

AI summary

A board work machine includes a backup plate, a backup member disposed on the backup plate to support a board from below, a movement device configured to move the backup member, a movement control section configured to control an operation of the movement device based on a position program indicating a position of the backup member disposed on the backup plate, a display section configured to display the position of the backup member indicated by the position program in a superimposed manner on a board image indicating the board, and an editing section configured to edit the position program in response to a request for increasing or decreasing the number of the backup members and changing the position of the backup member from an operator.